A fish and chip shop in Kirkby is frying high after cooking up a tasty award that makes it one of the best in the country.

The Jolly Fryer, on Low Moor Road, has been recognised with a prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Award from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). And it is one of only 225 shops across the UK to have received the accolade.

Proud owner Theo Tsiolas, who runs the Jolly Fryer with his wife Christina, said: “We are delighted. This is indeed an honour, and a credit to our hard-working staff, whose efforts help us to maintain our excellent reputation.

“We live and breathe fish and chips. We work tirelessly to produce the best possible food we can, and to be acknowledged as one of the best really is some achievement.

“The award doesn’t just represent the fish and chips we offer, but also the high-quality produce our local suppliers provide us, which helps to keep us one step ahead.”

The quality award is handed to shops after a thorough assessment of the premises, equipment, working practices, staff training, hygiene and cleanliness standards and management controls, along with the quality and taste of cooked fish and chips.

The NFFF, which is the trade body that represents the nation’s fish and chip shops, runs the scheme as a way of raising standards and enhancing the profile of the industry.

The award, which is valid for two years, sets a new benchmark for quality, and signals to customers that they can buy with confidence where the award is displayed.

NFFF president Gregg Howard said: “The Jolly Fryer clearly takes pride in where it sources its fish and potatoes. Our assessments are extremely comprehensive. Food safety is a key area that we examine, together with other aspects of the business, such as the preparation of cooking equipment and the management of paperwork.”

The Jolly Fryer is also ranked the number one takeaway/restaurant in Kirkby on the respected customer-review website, Trip Advisor. One of the reviewers described it as “so much more than a fish and chip shop”, while another said: “Great service and even better food!”